Parents generally know that musical instruments are very expensive and need to be taken care of. Students do not always realise the value of an instrument and it is important that parents educate their children about this. As an estimate, beginner musical instruments are worth between $500 and $1500. Flutes, Clarinets, Trumpets & Trombones are worth between $500-$1000. Saxophones between $1000-$1500.

Below is some general information that we ask parents to talk to their children about. At the bottom of this page are links to more specific “Caring for your Instrument” instructions for specifics instruments.

– Care should always be taken when opening and closing the case. Making sure that the case is properly closed and fastened before picking it up to avoid the instrument falling out.

– If possible, open your instrument case on the ground/floor. If the case is on a table and the instrument should accidentally fall out, it is much further to fall and the extent of damage will be more significant.

– If something goes wrong with the instrument or doesn’t seem quite right, DO NOT TRY AND FIX IT YOURSELF. Ask you tutor or band conductor for help. In most cases it will be a quick fix, but if not, they can refer it to our service department if further repairs are required.
Mum’s and Dad’s: Please resist the urge to be a DIY WARRIOR and do not try and fix it yourself. Leave it to the professionals.

– Most damage to instruments comes from being dropped or banged against another hard object (chair, music stand, another instrument etc). Please encourage students to be spatially aware.

– Don’t rush when setting up an instrument. Take the time and care that is required to do things correctly.

– Do not EVER run when holding a musical instrument.

– Clean your mouth with a drink of water before playing. This will reduce the amount and food and foreign matter getting inside the instrument. Thus reducing the amount of internal cleaning required and making the sound produced much nicer.

– The instrument should be the responsibility of the student as they are the one setting it up and packing it up as well as carrying it to and from lessons and band rehearsals. Please ensure that other members of the family (particularly younger siblings) do not have access to it as they will not understand how to take care of it and may treat it like a toy – which it is MOST CERTAINLY NOT.

– In general USE COMMON SENSE. If you make sensible and logical decisions, you should not have any major problems. Please remember that whilst you may be able to make good sensible decisions about the instrument, the student is the one responsible for it. Therefore we ask that you continue to discuss with your child about their responsibilities in regards to their musical instrument.